Local historian and journalist Muriel J. Smith will narrate some stories on the Bayshore and its residents during the Prohibition era Sunday, August 11, on the Navesink Queen cruise to benefit the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society.
Smith, who has been a journalist for 65 years and is the former editor of The Courier in Middletown, is also author of five books, primarily on history. A resident of Atlantic Highlands, for five years, she and her late husband, James E. Smith, Jr., lived in Highlands with their four children for 40 years.
In 1996, after Mr. Smith survived death after a series of heart attacks, the couple lived ten years in an RV and traveled to all 50 states visiting the birth or burial places of Presidents of the United States, while also volunteering at national wildlife refuges. She returned to Monmouth County after his death in 2006 and worked at NWS Earle in Colts Neck where she did public relations and wrote the base newspaper.
The Navesink Queen will leave from Pier 1 (behind Sissy’s Luncheonette) at the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor and lunch will be served with a cash bar. For ticket reservations and further information, go to www.ahhistory.org/events.
Representative Chris Smith met with Elan Carr, the former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism—and other leaders in his ongoing fight to combat antisemitism and discuss the ongoing threats faced by Jewish men, women and children at home and abroad.
Smith, who is Co-Chair of the House Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, said. “Carr’s continued work to fight antisemitism in all of its many forms commands respect on both sides of the aisle and around the world.”
As Special Envoy, Carr led the U.S. State Department Office charged with anticipating, preventing, mitigating and responding to threats against Jewish communities worldwide. The ambassadorial-level position was established by twolaws authored by Smith which have been successful in elevating and advancing the United States’ efforts to address the alarming rise in antisemitism.
The Congressman is also Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus and met with family members of the Americans who continue to be held hostage by Hamas as part of a congressional roundtable before of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress set for Wednesday. He expressed thanks to the families for their powerful witness to the cruelty that has been imposed upon their loved ones and promised ”We will do everything we possibly can to end their agony and bring them home.’
The Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly Knights of Columbus Council #11660, which serves the Our Lady of Perpetual Help – Saint Agnes Catholic Parish has received a its second consecutive “Star Council” award, the international organization’s top honor for local councils.
The “Star Council Award” recognizes overall excellence in the areas of growing membership, promoting Knights of Columbus insurance benefits, sponsoring Catholic Faith formation programs and volunteering time through service–oriented activities consisting of 16 programs equally divided amongst the four categories of Faith, Family, Community and Life.
This year, the Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly Council reached their membership quota with the addition of five newly installed Brother Knights. “We are truly blessed to be able to serve such a vibrant Parish made up of highly supportive, engaged and faithful Parishioners and Ministries,” said Grand Knight Mike Napolitano. “We are also continually blessed by the encouragement of our pastor, Father Jarlath Quinn who is also one of our own Sir Knights and serves as our Council Chaplain.”
Napolitano, who learned of the award from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council, said “I continue to be personally blessed to serve with and learn from the wonderful and growing number of Catholic gentlemen who comprise this Council of Brothers along with our Sisters in the Columbiettes Auxiliary.
” Our Council #11660 achieved its second “Star Council” award by continuing its program with a mix of tried-and-true parish favorites,” the Grand Knight continued. “These include hosting a weekly Rosary Hour, a free monthly themed Pancake Breakfast, the annual Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner fundraising event (now coupled with the Annual Columbiettes Charity Gift Auction.” The Knights also make regular donations to local Food Pantries, local seminarians, and sponsor an Annual Blue Mass and Dinner for First Responders. We also donate to Deborah Hospital, local Pregnancy Centers along with newer initiatives such as creating a Multi-Council Special Needs Bowl-A-Thon, sponsoring a Special Olympics Polar Plunge team, a May Crowning Mass and Initiation Sacraments Breakfast, a Catholic Education Scholarship, the 9-11 Remembrance and Veterans Appreciation Breakfasts,” Napolitano continued.
In addition, the Council conducts its Annual Oktoberfest and Sinatra Night Dinner fundraising events and helps numerous other causes without any recognition.
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical, practicing Catholics in union with the Holy See. For information on joining the Knights of Columbus Council #11660 contact Membership Director Dave Convery (Email: david@converylaw.com) or call Grand Knight Ian McGinniss at (732) 500-6706.
Napolitano noted he is the outgoing Grand Knight after serving two years, and Convery has been named the Grand Knight for the next two years,
Knights of Columbus
To learn more about the Knights of Columbus visit https://HighlandsKofC11660.org. The Knights of Columbus is one of the world’s leading fraternal and service organizations with two million members in more than 16,000 parish-based councils. During the past year, Knights around the world donated more than 47 million service hours and $153 million for worthy causes in their communities. The organization also offers extensive life insurance services to members and their families, resulting in more than $116 billion of life insurance in force. Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors offers investment services to individuals and institutions in accord with Catholic social teaching and has over $27 billion in assets under management. From helping children in need, to providing wheelchairs for the disabled, to helping stock food banks, to offering top rated and affordable insurance products to its members, to creating a legacy of giving, the Knights of Columbus have supported families and communities for more than 140 years.
There is something very wrong with priorities. Literally, thousands of people have read the headline that used a nickname based on the person’s last name. Eisenhower was frequently known as Ike.
Blackie, was Mr. Black of Connors fame, those of us old enough remember Herbert “Whitey” White of the Lindy Hoppers, all are frequently nicknames for folks who share their last name with colors.
Mac is used for McCarthys, McNamee, Mc Doogle and many more “Macs” or “Mc.s’. Guys named Fisher are often called Fish, and Murphys are called “Murph.” Smitty is used more often than Smith and the list goes on.
Yet the vast majority of comments and opinions have been about the headline. Not about the story which was read by the thousands who spent more than an average three minutes each reading about the subject.
Hidden in all the hoopla is the fact very few of these people are asking why the Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council is saying its residents do not have the same rights that residents of Sea Bright and Highlands have.
Those towns want to hear from their residents on whether they want Sea Bright in the regional school district. It’s been the topic of discussion, for years now, and sadly caused much division between the towns. Why not simply ask the folks want they want, listen to them, and maybe take their opinions into consideration?
Non-binding questions on a ballot don’t cost a cent. People don’t even have to answer if they don’t want. They don’t have to stand up at a public meeting and voice their thoughts, they don’t have to give their names. They simply check off yes or no and the results can give guidance to the governing body and even the school board on how they want to act.
Atlantic Highlands thinks it’s important enough to put a non-binding question on the ballot to find out if residents want to pay two cents more in their tax rate to help preserve open space in that borough. Yet the Mayor said she thinks the question on whether the regional district should include their neighbor a little to the east is “frivolous.’ Why is a question on education ‘frivolous’ and one on open space not?
The Mayor of Highlands has a non-binding question on their ballot concerning whether those residents want a wall surrounding the town from flooding or not. She even had all the Army Corps experts come to answer questions to be sure the people are informed, But she still wants the residents’ opinion before taking any action. She thinks the education question is also important enough to get the people’s opinion so those voters will have TWO non-binding questions on their ballot.
Sea Bright wants to know what their voters think. They only have a handful of kids in the school system, and like Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, don’t show any signs of growth in the younger population. So they want to get some input from all the residents.
What a shame Atlantic Highlands voters are not given that same option.
If Sea Bright is ever to come into this regional district, all three towns have to agree. So quite simply, why not quit wasting time and money. If it’s clear any one town doesn’t want to proceed, then elected officials have to re-think their future actions.
The Atlantic Highlands Mayor is a smart lady and very definitely loves her town and works hard for it. So do all the members of Council
Representative Chris Smith and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Ralph Zucker
WASHINGTON—Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester), Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, today commended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his historic joint address to Congress as Israel continues to defend itself from a host of adversaries in the Middle East.
Representative Chris Smith and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Ralph Zucker
“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s passionate yet deliberate address, which comes at a very pivotal time, was a grand slam,” said Smith, who invited two constituents—Ralph Zucker and Yaakov Wenger, both from Lakewood—as his guests to the Prime Minister’s speech. “It marked not only a critical call to action but also a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the American people and those in the United States and Congress who continue to stand by Israel.”
“Israel is facing an existential threat from Iran and its proxies including Hamas—which wants to eviscerate it from the face of the earth,” said Smith, who is an avid supporter of Israel and fierce advocate for aid to the U.S. ally.
“Netanyahu brilliantly made the case that these threats are not only directed to Israel, but also to America,” Smith continued. “He reminded everyone that Iran—which also hates the United States—routinely chants ‘death to America.’”
“He also called out the blatantly antisemitic protesters at our college campuses—such as Rutgers University in New Jersey—who are very prone to violence,” said Smith, Co-Chair of the House Task Force for Combating Antisemitism.
“Sadly, the Biden Administration’s vacillation especially and including on Israel has sent mixed messages to Israel’s adversaries and has enabled those who hate Jews because they are Jews,” said Smith. “Now more than ever, we must stand in absolute solidarity with this great U.S. ally—and the only true, stable democracy in the Middle East.”
Whether it was directed at the school board attorney, the board or simply in utter anger and frustration, Highlands resident Gina Melnyk blurted out an F-bomb before she left the podium at last week’s meeting of the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education.
She further turned to the residents attending the meeting to let them know the board attorney receives $90 an hour to attend meetings and to let everyone in general know “You’ll see me November 5.”
No one from the board responded in any manner to the loud outburst but routine business which included an adjournment the meeting minutes later for a brief and scheduled executive session. Nothing was said about the outburst when the board returned after the executive session to continue the meeting.
An estimated 30 residents were at the meeting, most of them parents complaining and seeking further information on the proceedings for determining students for the pre-school program and the need for a waiting list in order to have a child received into the program.
But Melnyk, who is a former member of the Highlands Board of Education, rose during the scheduled first of two public portions to ask three questions, two concerning, the payment of bills and a consultant’s pay for specific work, and the third on the school’s policy on firearms.
Each of her questions was based on information on the agenda indicating payments made, whether the business administrator received additional compensation for work at the Highlands school, and a change in policy that included a first reading for revisions of several policies, including one on firearms and weapons.
Melnyk simply asked for board members’ opinions on the firearms policy change.
But the outspoken Highlands resident was thwarted in all her attempts to get responses, including no one from the board table advising her on the board policy, or if there is one, on when to stand or sit until her questions were answered.
During the public portion, Melnyk was recognized to go to the podium, identified herself and said she had three questions. She expressed the three questions, then sat down in anticipation of the responses.
When the first response was given, it prompted a question for further explanation, so Melnyk once again rose, apologized for not knowing she had to go back to the podium, and asked that question.
She then returned to her seat awaiting the answer to the next two questions, then again going to the podium for more explanation.
It was while she was at the podium the third time, that the board attorney, Jonathan Busch, not a board member or the chairman, began telling the resident her time was up, she had been there more than three minutes, she was asking too many questions, that wasn’t the policy, and the board would not be answering any more questions from her.
Melnyk continued talking from the podium, the board continued with the agenda item that called for a a brief statement from the business administrator on her certification, then a motion to adjourn, also scheduled on agenda, for an executive session before a resumption of the open meeting minutes later.
Melnyk continued to talk as the board members left the table for their executive session, telling the residents about Busch’s hourly rate, the lack of information she was receiving, and her assurance she would see them November 5. The Highlands resident is expected to be a candidate for one of the five Highlands seats on the board to be decided in the November election.
There were no further actions, disruptions, or references to Melnyk’s questions when the meeting resumed.
She never received any response to her question about a change in policy related to firearms.
Questioned on that policy change and the procedure for first and second readings of amendments to policy, Dr. Beams told this reporter, in response to written questions for more information:
“The public does not have a say in policy,” explaining that is the function of the board elected by the public and this is their primary responsibility. She added “the district must follow all applicable laws and administrative statutes that govern the state of NJ. The policies are derived from all applicable laws. The policy advises the Board’s and school district how to implement those laws as they pertain to schools.” She also pointed out the public would be able to see the policy once it is approved and part of the policy manual. It becomes part of the manual once it has passed first and second readings by board members, not in public, and voted on when any amendments after both readings are approved.
In answer to further questions about whether anyone on school property is permitted to carry weapons , Dr. Beams said that “currently, no staff or students are permitted to carry firearms with the exception of our school security officers who are licensed and trained and our class III police officers.”
Asked why the agenda indicates the policy revisions came with her recommendation, rather than stating they were submitted under the Strauss Esmay Policy, Dr. Beams explained “this is how Board of Education agendas work. The Superintendent in all districts collaborates with the Board committees, the administration or other staff members to make the appropriate recommendations for the various required approvals by the Board of Education.”
Other revisions in the policy, expected to be approved at the August meeting, after a second reading, include the board members term, staff physical examinations, service animals , attendance, as well as student suicide prevention, emergency and crisis situations and volunteer coaches and advisors. Abolished under the first reading approval, which was unanimous, is “remote public board meetings during a declared emergency “and gifts from vendors.
It was a love affair with Highlands that started with a letter from Washington Avenue resident Michael Roth to his neighbors.
It was also a public acclamation of his love for his late wife, MaryAnne.
Last May, Roth wrote the letter to all his neighbors on Washington Avenue along the Captains Cove area. In it, he asked if he could give each of them a gift that would be a memorial to his wife, but also “add a little more charm to our slice of heaven on earth.”
Roth gave a little history on why he wanted to give his neighbors gifts. He and his wife first came to Highlands around 2007, he said, finding it picturesque, quiet and with beautiful views. “It was all here,” he told them.
So he and MaryAnne purchased property the following year and, describing the house as ‘tired,’ hired an architect to convert it into their dream retirement home, delaying their move into their new home.
The move took place six weeks before Hurricane Sandy hit. When that storm slammed through Highlands, it left eight and a half feet of water on the street and sidewalk. But the Roth home was safe. Their architect had completed the renovations to the newest FEMA guidelines already in place in Highlands, so their house survived in good shape.
Following Sandy, the building inspector even used it as an example of how others could rebuild and maintain their homes in areas along the river.
The next ten years Roth told his neighbors, were the best of his life as he and MaryAnne retired and reveled in the friendliness and beauty of Highlands.
Then MaryAnne got sick. Last year, she passed away, one week before Christmas. They had been married 52 years.
But then Roth remembered something that was making him feel a bit better over his grief. A skilled carpenter and woodworker, the last thing he had made for his wife was a stenciled lobster to hang by their front entry. He told his neighbors MaryAnne had said how nice it would be if all the other houses around them also had one, creating a nautical and marine life theme for this portion of the Shrewsbury Rier.
So it was for MaryAnne, he explained to his neighbors, that he wanted to build a piece of marine life for each of his neighbors, to use for their house address and “something new” for the neighborhood. “MaryAnne would approve.,” he told them.
That is why several houses along Washington Avenue now proudly show house numbers on sea creatures, from lobsters and crabs to sea horses and oyster shells.
At last week’s council meeting. Mayor Carolyn Broullon also wanted to let Roth know how appreciative the entire borough is for his love of it, his neighbors, and the generous way in which he wanted to have Mary Anne remembered.
The borough council unanimously approved the proclamation Mayor Broullon presented to Roth recognizing his creative tribute to Mary Ann by unifying his street with a resilient community effort.
Her proclamation said, “in recognition of one man’s thoughtful and heartfelt tribute to one of his wife’s last wishes, the Mayor and Council of the Borough Highlands do hereby recognize Michael Roth of Washington Avenue for his sense of unifying the community, resilient use of materials and memorializing his wife in such an artistic fashion.”
It seems that’s what the Highlands people are like.
Love Affair Love Affair Love Affair Love Affair Love Affair Love Affair
The commemorative coin for the commission of the USS New Jersey (SSN796), designed by a MAST NJROTC cadet, is now available for sale at the Commissioning Committee’s website.
The coin, which is available for $25, was created and designed by Highlands resident Russell Karshmer, a raising senior at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology on Sandy Hook. Karshmer, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Karshmer, was one of four MAST students who submitted design ides among the more than 300 received from students from throughout New Jersey
The coin design depicts the view from Mount Mitchill, recognizing it as the highest point on the Eastern seaboard. From that vantage point, he portrays the Eastern Goldfinch, the state bird of New Jersey, perched atop a branch of the state tree, the Red Oak, and holding the state flower, the Violet, in its beak. The bird is observing the approach of the USS New Jersey (SSN 796) into Naval Weapons Station Earle in Leonardo for her commissioning. In the background, the Sandy HookLighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States, illuminates the newest submarine to join the fleet from her post in historic Fort Hancock, a former U.S. Army Base.
Other design considerations are the three oak leaves, three acorns, and three piers at Earle, symbolizing that USS New Jersey is the third warship to bear the name USS New Jersey, and New Jersey being the third state to join the Union.
The colors of the water and sand illustrate the official state colors of Jersey Blue and Buff respectively and the banner outlines the location and date of the USS New Jersey’s commissioning in April 2024.
The USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee recently added the coin to it exclusive new merchandise geared to collectors and supporters alike. All items are not only unique keepsakes but also a way to support the crew of the New Jersey.
In addition to the Karshmer designed coin, the commissioning committee’s shop also added a wine glass etched with the submarine and continues its sale of other ceramics, medals and hats among other memorabilia of the nation’s newest submarine and the third Naval vessel named to honor the state.
The submarine will be commissioned September 17 at Navel Weapons Station pier in Leonardo.
Candidates for Congress , County Commission and a third special guest will all be featured speakers at the regular meeting of the Atlantic Highlands Republican Club Monday, July 22 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be at the Senior Center at the Municipal Yacht Harbor.
Scott Fegler is the GOP candidate seeking a seat in the house of Representatives currently held by Congressman Frank Pallone and will introduce himself to guests and speak on his goals for Congress.
Commissioner Sue Kiley is seeking re-election to the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners, formerly known as the Board of Freeholders. The Commissioner, also a former Mayor of Hazlet, will highlight some of the county’s accomplishments and its plans for the future.
Highlands Council President Jo-Anne Olszewski will also be a speaker, giving information and background on the importance of residents of both boroughs being informed of the seats to be decided on the new Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education, which replaces the three boards of education in the high school and two elementary schools in the two boroughs. The councilwoman is her governing body’s liaison the school board.
Members and non-members of the club are invited to attend.
Interrupting Atlantic Highlands Mayor Lori Hohenleitner when she referred to the idea of a non-binding referendum on education’s future in her town as “frivolous” ended a late night very agitated chastisement this reporter received from the mayor Saturday night. Mayorial Meltdown
When it was all said and done, it wasn’t the story, its contents or accuracy, of the news story I wrote in my blog, VeniVidiScripto.com that brought on the agitated call. Nor was it the fact that Atlantic Highlands Council is never going to seek the public’s opinion on school regionalization on a non-binding “frivolous” referendum.
The call only lasted minutes before the Mayor hung up after I questioned the “frivolous” statement about a non-binding question.
It took me the first minute or so to learn who was calling. For me, calls after 10 p.m. and with children, grandchildren and great children scattered throughout the country, including in the military, always instill a level of apprehension and a quick prayer even before answering. Being awakened makes it even more difficult.
At first, in answering all I could hear was the unintelligible ranting, screaming and a stream of words I could not understand. When asked, Ms. Hohenleitner identified herself as “the mayor.”
She then berated me for being rude and disrespectful while I was still trying to figure out the purpose of the call. When I asked for more information, I was told it was over the story I wrote. And how terrible the headline was. Writing numerous stories just about every day, and thousands of words, I still needed to find out which story she was talking about.
It was only then I learned it was the story on Highlands and Sea Bright approving a non-binding referendum on their ballots in November to get the public’s opinion on whether Sea Bright should ever come into the Henry Hudson Regional District. To make the story complete, I had requested, and received, the reasons from Mayor Hohenleitnerwhy Atlantic Highlands would not do the same, information that was included as a lead in the story.
Once I learned it was the headline that bothered her, I asked what it was. I am a journalist, not a headline writer. Those very well-paid specialists have a distinct talent for drawing attention to an article with the fewest words, ensuring a story will be read, a skill reporters do not possess. Headline writers write the leads after reading the edited story that is forwarded for publication. For most journalists, certainly myself, the writer doesn’t see or hear about the story again and it goes to print.
I know my headline writer very well. He’s my son, and he’s outstanding at writing headlines, as is evidenced by the thousands of my stories that are read around the world.
After much shouting and more questions, I learned the headline on this particular story was Ho Ho Says No. My first reaction hearing it, even from a ranting woman, was it was a clever way to draw attention to an important story without trying to squeeze the name Hohenleitner a 12-letter word, into a headline. For at least one reader, it apparently worked, considering the importance of an after 10 p.m. call on a Saturday night.
I went on to explain I don’t write or see my headlines and that my son does them, an explanation that brought forth many non-complimentary words about him as well, before the Mayor then assured me she would not be responding to any future queries from me for any information.
It was while I was questioning why she would not answer further questions in the future, from me, now knowing I had not written the headline, she blurted something about the non-binding referendum being ‘frivolous.”
At some point she told me she knows the peoples’ opinions, she talks to them all the time, she hears what they have to say. Sounding very much like she did not think going to the polls to express a Yea or No was important. I interrupted at that point, asking for confirmation that she really identified asking the public for their opinions on a question of this magnitude as frivolous?
She did not hear the end of the question. She had already slammed down the phone.
My question on the frivolity of the referendum question is because it does not cost anything to put a question on the November ballot. Simply a courtesy to let people express how they feel, yes or no. Days before my late-night phone call, the governing body approved a different non-binding referendum for the November ballot. That one has to do with raising taxes another two cents for a specific purpose, open space acquisition.
Perhaps taxes are not as frivolous as the future of education for students.
